Brief: The client brief was to tame an over-grown and neglected garden, largely untouched in 15 years, and to create a fairly low maintenance garden with a newly-laid lawn and re-laid and extended patio of Yorkstone.

Before...

...and after.

Nightingale Lane, London N8

Brief: to re-establish a whole garden, which had been divided into two very narrow spaces for the use joint use of two flats, with a new lawn for children to play, a large deck area for entertaining and an planting plan to provide colour and interest throughout the year.

Solution: Having removed the dividing fence we built a large deck using Balau hardwood boards. The soil in the garden was enriched and curving planting areas formed. The existing miss-matching fencing was screened with rolls of willow, and a new lawn laid. A mix of traditional shrubs, climbers and perennials and herbs were used to suit the client's style and requests.

Before...

.

...and after.

Dundonald Road, London NW10

Brief: To enlarge patio area, loosing the high drop and replacing existing concrete slabs with a natural stone, with the addition of raised beds near the house for additional planting.

The solution: We removed some large shrubs near the house and used hard-core from the existing paving to extend base for new patio. Using reclaimed stock bricks to match those in the house we built new steps and retainers and sandstone-capped raised beds on either side, planted with scented and drought resistant shrubs and perennials. The area was repaved with Indian Sandstone and a small pergola constructed along the side of the house.

Before

...and after.

Nightingale Lane, London N8)

The brief: To turn a muddy, neglected narrow garden (having been divided to share with garden flat) into a contemporary, low-maintenance space for entertaining and use by the children year round.

The solution: Because of the number of cats in the area (and their associated mess) it was decided to deck the entire length of the garden, on 3 stepped levels, largely to give the children a clean safe area in which to play. Large overgrown shrubs were removed and the approximately 12 inches of soil removed across the garden in order to construct the sub-frame for the decking. A contemporary feel was achieved with a series of block-work raised beds, which were rendered and painted. These were planted with a selection of Mediterranean plants such as lavenders, sedums, trailing rosemaries, convolvulus cneroum, feather grass and dwarf palms.

Ulysses Rd, London NW6)

The brief: To rejuvenate a sad looking rear garden, with new Mediterranean themed planting robust enough to withstand a large dog.

The solution: We began by installing hardwood edges to the planting areas, to retain a higher level of soil. We improved the soil with organic matter and planted a selection of exotic and Mediterranean plants such as Phormiums, Palms, Pittosporum, Yuccas, Bamboos etc. The existing slate paving was pressure washed, re-grouted and sealed, and a new softwood deck installed with a dark stain and oil applied.